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In this challenge, students are tasked with creating detailed Build Instruction Guides for robotic components and mechanisms in either the VEX IQ or V5 platforms. These guides are intended to assist other students in constructing and understanding common robotics elements, such as X-drives, scissor lifts, and other common mechanisms.

This challenge not only tests students' technical skills and understanding of robotics mechanisms but also emphasizes their ability to communicate effectively and educate others. It's a great way for students to contribute to the robotics community by sharing their knowledge and experiences.

Visit this link for a printable summary of this challenge.

 

Prizes

One (1) Winner: $500 VEX Robotics gift certificate; if the winning entry is from a team that has competed in their program with a physical robot during their competition season, they will also receive an automatic qualification to the 2025 VEX Robotics World Championship.

Four (4) Finalists: $100 VEX Robotics gift certificate

Finalists and winners will be selected at each of the following grade levels, for a total of three (3) prize packages:

• Middle School

• High School

• College

Eligibility

Teams must be part of a registered VEX Robotics team for the current season.

This page is for College / University entries only - if you are any other program or grade level, please refer to the Online Challenge listings to find the correct page for your program and grade level.

• Only one entry per team is permitted. However, each team in a multi-team school or club program may submit one entry. For example, teams 123A and 123B could each submit an entry, but team 123A could not submit two entries. Entries must vary in content and presentation to be considered separate entries. 

By uploading a submission to an REC Foundation Online Challenge, you agree to follow the Submission Guidelines and certify that you understand the Intellectual Property Rights held by you and the REC Foundation regarding your submission. Please review the Submission Guidelines and Intellectual Property Rights information at this link before uploading your submission.

Requirements

Build Instruction Guide:

• Content: Each guide should provide comprehensive, step-by-step instructions for building a specific robotic component or mechanism. Projects that include a fully built robot will be disqualified.
• Participants can choose from a range of topics, including but not limited to:
  • Drive Base: Explain the wheel configuration and movement capabilities.
  • Efficient Lift Mechanism Design: Describe a lift mechanism (elevator, scissor lift, arm lift, etc.) that efficiently moves objects vertically. 
  • Versatile Claw or Gripper Attachment: Describe a claw or gripper attachment capable of securely grabbing and releasing objects of various sizes and shapes.
  • Custom Game Element Manipulator: Describe a mechanism to interact with a specific game element (e.g., pushing balls, stacking cubes).
  • Other Mechanisms: Any other component or mechanism that can be useful in a robotics context.
• Diagrams and Visual Aids: Include diagrams, CAD models, photos, or videos that help illustrate the assembly process and key points.
• Tips and Tricks: Offer practical advice and insights to help teams avoid common pitfalls, optimize their mechanisms, and ensure smooth operation. Examples include:
  • Proper alignment techniques to ensure accuracy.
  • Tips for securing parts with shaft collars.
  • Strategies for balancing and stabilizing mechanisms.

Bonus Points for Video Submission:

• Teams can earn bonus points by including a video link in their guide. The video should demonstrate the construction process and the function of the mechanism. It can also provide additional explanations and insights into the design.

Technical Details

A submission must meet these minimum requirements in order to be judged.

1. Entry is created and produced solely by student team members. It is acceptable for adults to assist with downloading any necessary resources or submitting the story where students may need permission.

2. Format: One PDF file (up to 20MB) that includes all content, including images.

3. Title Page:  Each entry must include a title page that includes:

   • Title of submission

   • Names of students who participated (using first names only is acceptable)

   • Team number 

   • Location of team

4. If a video is submitted, it must meet the following minimum requirements to be eligible for bonus points:

   • Entry is created and produced solely by student team members. It is acceptable for adults to help with the technical aspects of creating and submitting a video to YouTube, and adults are encouraged to assist in completing any task that would be difficult or inappropriate for students in their age group.

   • Format: One link to a video file posted on YouTube, SchoolTube, Youku, or equivalent video-streaming platform. Links to Google Drive, Dropbox, or other storage locations are not acceptable and will not be reviewed.

   • Size: Up to five (5) minutes, including title, credits, and any other content.

   • Credits:  Each video must include:

     • Title of submission

     • Names of students who participated (using first names only is acceptable)

     • Team number 

     • Location of team

   • Music must be in the public domain.

Upload Instructions

Note: Beginning with the 2023-24 season, challenge entries must be uploaded by the primary contact for a registered team. This individual should ensure that the submission meets all requirements and criteria before uploading.

1. Click the green Submit an Entry button on the right side of the screen.

2. Fill out the submission form and add an optional description of the entry to the Short Description field.

3. Ensure you are entering the correct team number and letter, with no spaces.

4. Click Save.

5. Click the blue Files /Images button in the upper right of the screen.

6. Drag/drop your PDF file into the Upload a File box, then refresh if needed to view file details below the Upload a File box.

7. Edit the Display Name and file information to include your entry title and your team number; for example, "MathWorks Challenge entry, team 007x."

8. Click on Save to record your edits.

9. To add a an optional video link, click the blue Links / Videos button in the upper right of the screen.

   • Enter the URL, title, and description of the video.

   • Click on Add Link.

Judging Information

Enhanced Judging Information (Up to 5 Points for each Criterion)

• Build Instruction Guide: Instructions are exceptionally clear, comprehensive, and easy to follow. Every step is detailed with precise language, and the guide is logically organized. Includes advanced techniques and insights that demonstrate a deep understanding of the mechanism.
• Diagrams and Visual Aids: Diagrams, CAD models, and photos are high quality, well-labeled, and effectively illustrate the assembly process. Visual aids are integrated seamlessly with the instructions, enhancing understanding.
• Tips and Tricks: Offers innovative and highly useful tips that significantly enhance the building process. Tips demonstrate a deep understanding of potential challenges and solutions.
• Bonus Points: Video Submission: Video is highly engaging, clearly demonstrates the construction process, and provides valuable insights into the mechanism's design and functionality.

Current time:
Fri, Dec 6, 2024 8:59 AM CST

Opens:

Wed, Nov 6, 2024 12:00 AM CST

Closes:

Wed, Jan 29, 2025 4:00 PM CST

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